AP European History Review – Learn the Art of Test Preparation
Want to learn the art of AP European history review? Tests are generally a huge portion of your final grade, meaning your performance can literally make or break your grade. Fortunately, by taking the time to review before the exam you can significantly improve your grade. Here’s how:
First, you’ll need to go over all of the main themes. Make sure you understand the chronological order of events. Major topics include ‘The Industrial Revolution’ or ‘The 30 Years War.’ This basic European history review ensures that you will at least understand questions on the test, and will give you a framework for further detail.
Next, get a little more in depth. Depending on the teacher, you might also have to learn some dates (which I hate, sorry if you have to do this). Memorize the important facts like people’s names, critical cities and broad policy decisions. For example: What was the significance of the Enclosure Acts in England? Memorizing super nitty-gritty details isn’t the best use of your time, although it may come in handy for very in-depth questions or essays.
Finally, remember to manage your time efficiently. Every day between now and the test date is a day that should be spent studying. Your brain remembers facts repeated over multiple days much better than those learned in a last minute cram session. If you need review material, get it now. Spreading your review over a longer period makes the test much less stressful, probably because you’re far better prepared!
Art Book Review – George Inness – One the Ninetieth Century’s Greatest Painters
The ninetieth century had tremendous competition for great artisans, and painters. One was George Inness, perhaps the best, although some might debate this. Of course, once you become acquainted by his art, you’ll have to agree he was in the top five for sure. To better illustrate this and perhaps persuade you to truly see inside this great painters talents, I’d sure like to recommend a very good art book to you:
“George Inness at the Los Angeles Museum of Art” edited by Nicolai Cikovsky and Michael Quick; Harper and Row Publishers; New York, NY; 1985. ISBN: 0-06-4307107-7
This book perhaps best explains the life and times, and the inspiration behind some of George Inness’ best work. Each picture is accompanied by full detail of the scene, and time of his life. Many of the paintings in this book have explanations that go far beyond just what the painting is about, but what the critics, collectors and art world says.
The introduction and first two chapters go into full detail of what made this man such a great painter, from his family, his life and to the times, society, government and thoughts of the day. I seriously doubt if you can find a more comprehensive art book featuring this great artisan.
The authors, editors, and collection inside is truly one of a kind. This is a book no true painter should be without, Inness inspires, and his emotions flow off the canvas into the minds of those fortunate enough to know his work. I hope you too will agree. Please consider it.
Art Book Review – The Works of Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall was undoubtedly one of the greatest Twentieth Century Painters of Europe, and his art and legendary status has withstood the test of time. Few could ever match his incredible productivity and ability to capture the imagination of his viewers.
As a connoisseur of fine art, I am pleased to tell you that if you are interested in the life and times, and art of Chagall, then I have the perfect book for you. One you will wish to display on your coffee table at home or give as a high-end gift to a lover of the arts in your family. The book is:
“Chagall” by Susan Compton; BAS Printers Unlimited, Hampshire, England; 1985. ISBN: 0-87633-062-6.
This is one of the best collections of Marc Chagall’s work I’ve ever seen, in a 275 plus page book that is fully illustrated with the history, era, the art, and the style. The exhibit that accompanied this collector’s edition book was at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from the Royal Academy of Arts. The book explains that Marc’s Russian Heritage is often over looked as this great artisan is known for his work in Paris France, nevertheless originally he was from Russia.
Marc Chagall was a genius and few art historians will deny it. Indeed, he was of the greats of his time and his experience and observations of life show through to his work. This book is well footnoted, with background references and fact checking all available, nothing is hidden from the reader. Please consider this book, it’s the best book I’ve ever found on Chagall.